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Rough weather slows Wisconsin fieldwork again

Rain and severe weather hindered Wisconsin farmers again last week.

Three days of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms brought wind damage and up to 12 more inches of rain to some areas.  The USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service says only two-and-a-half days were suitable for fieldwork.

The first crop of alfalfa was close to ideal maturity, but farmers reported the ground was too wet to use machinery in most places. Only 5% of the first-crop alfalfa is cut.  Farmers are also reporting winterkill for alfalfa was 5% severe, 10% moderate, and 26% light.

Reporters say topsoil moisture is 56% adequate and 44% surplus statewide.

Just 65% of the corn is planted and 21% of the corn has emerged.  Soybeans are 29% planted, and only 3% of the plants have emerged.  Eight-eight percent of the oats and 93% of potatoes are planted.